In a fiery contest, an injury-hit Cronulla side were unable to overcome the determined Bulldogs in a 20-6 loss at Sharks Stadium on Saturday night.
After trailing 8-6 at half-time, the Sharks played the second half without strike centre Kayal Iro (hamstring) and bench forward Siosifa Talakai (head knock).
After a tug-of-war start in Jesse Ramien's 150th NRL game, the Sharks almost struck off the back of a floater kick however a no try was called due to a knock on.
Having good discipline as well as solid attack put the Bulldogs in prime try-scoring range with second-rower Jacob Preston barging across the line. Centre Stephen Crichton was unable to convert. The Bulldogs took a 4-0 lead after 10 minutes.
After the restart, both teams showed tough defence and were able to keep each other out.
Following powerhouse Toby Rudolf's entrance to the field, a penalty to the Sharks allowed them to have an attacking set in Canterbury's 20-metre zone, though they were once again unable to complete.
Off the back of repeat sets, including a penalty, Sharks centre Iro marched his way over, finally getting Cronulla on the board in this extremely tough contest. Halfback Nicho Hynes converted to give them a two-point lead.
To put them ahead again and capitalise on their strong first-half performance, Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri crossed in the final two minutes, and with Crichton unable to convert, the score remained 8-6 in favour of the away side.
With Iro leaving the field just before the break and Talakai unable to return after a head knock in the 35th minute, the Sharks were down to a 15-man rotation for the remainder of the game.
Bulldogs captain Crichton crossed to open the second-half scoring in the 45th minute. He was able to convert, giving Canterbury a 14-6 lead.
Cronulla were unlucky to have some decisions go against them, and when given good field position, it was difficult for them to complete their sets.
The Sharks' poor discipline meant that they had to work extremely hard to defend their line although it was only a matter of time before the Bulldogs crossed again with Xerri getting a double in the 62nd minute.
Inside the final 15 minutes, both teams were unable to complete sets and gave away penalties. At the final siren, Canterbury came away with a 14-point win, ultimately the better team on the night.
The Sharks were able to get late possession off the back of a Bulldogs error although it wasn’t enough to help them get the job done at home.
Cronulla have their first five-day turnaround of the season when they face the Raiders at GIO Stadium on Thursday night.
